Romain Gary
- 1914-1980
Romain Gary, whose real name was Kacew, was born in Vilno (now Vilnius). In his childhood, he moved with his mother—first to Poland, then to France. During World War II, he joined General de Gaulle’s army and took part in the struggle to liberate France. He fought in England, Africa, Abyssinia, and Libya, and participated in the famous battles of Normandy. He was awarded the rank of Commander of the Legion of Honour, the Order of the Companions of the Liberation, the Croix de Guerre (twice), the Resistance Medal, and the Wounded Medal. After the war, Romain Gary pursued a diplomatic career. He served in Sofia, Bern, the United Nations, Bolivia, and finally as consul in Los Angeles. Gary was married several times. One of his wives was Jean Seberg, the famous actress of the "New Wave," who became entangled in controversial circles. They separated. A few years later, Jean Seberg committed suicide. A year after her death, Romain Gary also ended his life. Romain Gary authored more than twenty novels, a play, and collections of short stories under various pseudonyms—Romain Gary, Émile Ajar, Fosco Sinibaldi, Shatan Bogat. He is the only writer to have been awarded the Prix Goncourt—the most prestigious French literary prize—twice, for The Roots of Heaven and The Life Before Us. It was only after his death that it was revealed these works, published under different names, were written by the same author.
